A rare example of the first functioning calculating machine in history, La Pascaline, is set to be retained in France after a Paris court provisionally prevented its export, halting its scheduled auction.

The machine, which was designed in 1642 by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal, aged only 19, was called by Christie’s, the auction house as “the most important scientific instrument ever offered at auction.

It was estimated to cost between Ksh301 million and Ksh452 million.

Christie’s confirmed it has suspended the sale, part of an auction of the library of the late Catalonia collector Leon Parce, which also featured Pascal’s philosophical work Pensees and the first printed version of ” Pascal Wager.”

Heritage Protections Sought

After the scientists and researchers appealed to the Paris administrative court, the Paris administrative court intervened to give heritage protection to the historical machine.

The court cited its ” historical and scientific value” and noted that La Pascaline could qualify as a “national treasure,” a designation that prevents the issuance of an export certificate.

“Given the provisional nature of this decision and in accordance with the instructions from its client, Christie’s is suspending the sale of La Pascaline,” a Christie’s spokesperson told AFP.

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A Revolutionary Invention

In his description of La Pascaline, Christie’s described it as, “nothing less than the first attempt in history to substitute the work of a machine for that of the human mind.”

The philosopher came up with various models of the machine to serve various functions such as calculating decimals, commercial transactions or taxes.

This particular instrument, intended for surveyors, calculates in units including feet, inches, and fathoms.

Final Judgment Pending

The initial decision of the court implies that the auction will not proceed until the final judgment is delivered,a process that could take several months.

French heritage group Association Sites and Monuments, listed as an applicant in the case, welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting France’s scientific and historical treasures.

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A Rare Legacy

One of eight genuine Pascalines still in existence is La Pascaline, and it has been in private possession since 1942.

The instruments were originally developed by Pascal to simplify calculations for his father, who was responsible for tax collection in northern France, marking one of the earliest attempts to mechanize human mental work.

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La, Pascaline,the first mechanical calculator
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